LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
ESTATES
A GRAND SENTINEL
A commanding presence along Charleston’s storied East Battery, this historic residence is a rare convergence of architectural pedigree, harbor front living, and timeless Southern elegance, offering a front row seat to both history and the sea.
25 E Battery St, Charleston, SC 29401
$28,000,000
KATHERINE GANNON
At the far edge of Charleston’s renowned peninsula, where pastel facades give way to open sky and the harbor stretches wide toward Fort Sumter, 25 East Battery stands with quiet authority. One of only ten grand mansions lining the famed Battery, this remarkable residence is not simply a house but a living chronicle of Charleston’s architectural ambition, social history, and enduring elegance.
Originally built circa 1885 for Charles Drayton atop an earlier 1830s foundation, the home was designed by engineer William Howe and constructed by English contractor Henry Cade during the height of the Queen Anne period. Rendered in the Eastlake style, it is widely regarded by historians as possessing the finest Eastlake detailing in the city. From its intricate woodwork to its commanding proportions, the house reflects an era when craftsmanship was expressive and architecture was meant to be read, room by room, like a finely bound book.
Its position is unrivaled. Facing directly onto Charleston Harbor, the home commands uninterrupted views of passing sailboats, shifting tides, and the enduring silhouette of Fort Sumter. Mornings arrive softly here, with light glancing off the water and filtering through tall windows, while evenings settle in with the hush of the harbor and the distant rhythm of the city behind you. It is both theatrical and serene, a balance Charleston achieves better than anywhere else.
The present incarnation of the Drayton House is the result of an extraordinary and meticulous restoration. Over more than two and a half years, the residence was reconstructed from its new copper roof down to the ground floor, seamlessly blending historic integrity with modern performance. This was not cosmetic renewal but a comprehensive reinvention, incorporating state of the art systems, contemporary luxury, and commercial grade infrastructure, all discreetly integrated so the historic character remains untouched.
Today, the estate encompasses more than 11,350 square feet of heated and cooled living space, arranged across a main house, an attached guest house, and a separate garden tack house. Covered piazzas add more than 1,000 additional square feet, creating outdoor rooms that feel as integral as the interiors themselves.
The main residence unfolds across multiple levels connected by a commercial grade elevator, one of many thoughtful additions that bring ease to everyday living. Formal rooms retain their sense of ceremony, yet feel welcoming to all. The scale is grand but human, with spaces that invite both large gatherings and quiet moments overlooking the water.
At the heart of the home is a kitchen unlike any other in Charleston. Designed to serve both private living and large scale entertaining, it features its own walk-in refrigerator alongside a concealed commercial grade kitchen equipped with a grill, smoker, deep fryer, and professional dishwasher. This hidden culinary engine allows the main kitchen to remain pristine while supporting events of any size, from intimate dinners to full scale celebrations. The primary suite is a destination unto itself, occupying approximately 2,200 square feet. It functions as a private retreat, complete with spa level amenities that rival the finest hotels, yet framed by original architectural details that root it firmly in place and time. It is a space designed for restoration in every sense of the word.
Equally compelling is the home’s ground level, where history meets indulgence at Nipper’s Bar, named for Mrs. Drayton’s beloved dog. This is not a novelty space but a fully realized private club, complete with a backlit onyx bar, a 163 inch digital wall, multiple screens, audiophile sound, and a dedicated wine room capable of holding 1,000 bottles. It is here that evenings linger and stories accumulate, echoing the social legacy of the house itself.
Beyond the main residence, the estate reveals layers of Charleston history rarely found intact. The attached guest house offers independent accommodations with its own entrance from Atlantic Street, while the separate garden tack house, once part of the original 1830s compound, provides additional guest space amid landscaped grounds. Behind it stands the restored historic stables, the only remaining example of its kind South of Broad, a quiet testament to the property’s depth and authenticity.
Practicality has been addressed with equal care. A gated drive from East Battery provides parking for four or more vehicles, an extraordinary amenity in this part of the city, while modern systems ensure comfort, security, and efficiency throughout the estate.
What sets 25 East Battery apart is not just its scale, its restoration, or even its waterfront position, but the way all of these elements converge without compromise. It is rare to find a property that so completely honors its past while functioning effortlessly for modern life. Here, history is not frozen behind velvet ropes; it is lived in, entertained within, and passed forward.
In a city celebrated for preservation, the Drayton House stands among the most significant private residences ever brought to market. It offers not only a home but stewardship of a landmark, a front row seat to Charleston Harbor, and an opportunity to live within one of the city’s most distinguished architectural narratives.
For more information or to schedule a private viewing:
Charles Sullivan, Partner/Broker
E: csullivan@carriageprop.com
Instagram: @charlessullivancarriageprop
M: 843.367.8807
W: www.Carriageprop.com
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